Governor Newsom Launches ‘Full Carts’ Outreach Campaign for CalFresh
Governor Gavin Newsom, alongside First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Director Jennifer Troia, unveiled a new outreach campaign titled “Full Carts” aimed at helping college students apply for CalFresh. This effort, which is part of the ongoing Breakthrough Initiative, seeks to connect more students with vital food assistance as they pursue their education.
The Breakthrough Initiative, established to enhance the efficiency of state government, has garnered significant support from various stakeholders, including Chris Larsen, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Ripple. Larsen emphasized the partnership’s impact, stating, “Thanks to the Breakthrough Initiative, more students can now access the help that’s available to them.” He highlighted how collaborative efforts among public, private, and nonprofit sectors can lead to substantial benefits for the community.
To jumpstart this campaign, Larsen has contributed $1.5 million to fund outreach efforts. Instacart and Snap are also participating, leveraging their platforms to raise awareness among students about the CalFresh program.
“Students shouldn’t have to choose between their education and their next meal,” said Casey Aden-Wansbury, Vice President and Head of Global Public Policy at Instacart. “By making it easier for eligible college students to enroll in CalFresh, Governor Newsom is helping these Californians access food they need.”
CalFresh plays a crucial role in supporting the nutritional needs of low-income residents, currently serving nearly 5.2 million individuals across over 3.1 million households in California each month. “College is challenging enough — students should not have to worry about where their next meal will come from,” remarked CDSS Director Jennifer Troia. She expressed pride in the government’s efforts to streamline access to this essential program, emphasizing its significance as the largest anti-hunger initiative in the country.
For California residents interested in applying for CalFresh, detailed information can be found at BenefitsCal.com. EBT Cardholders are encouraged to download the free ebtEDGE mobile application to manage their benefits effectively.